[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 153 (Thursday, September 18, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H4417-H4418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING LIEUTENANT GENERAL ROBERT A. RASCH, JR.

  (Mr. Strong of Alabama was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lieutenant 
General Robert A. Rasch, Jr., as he concludes 36 years of exceptional 
and faithful service to the United States of America.
  Throughout his tenure, General Rasch has embodied the spirit of a 
soldier, inspiring those who have served with and under his leadership.
  Born in Germany, where his father was stationed with Army Special 
Forces, General Rasch's connection to the military began early in life. 
He graduated from the University of Georgia and followed his father's 
footsteps, joining the Army as a second lieutenant in 1989.
  His military journey also led him to his wife, Shawndell Mann, a 
fellow soldier he met while in Alaska. Together, they have two 
accomplished children: Darby, an emergency physician, and Michael, who 
continues the family legacy as an infantry captain. Their family 
continues to grow with the expected arrival of their first grandchild 
in October.
  Throughout his career, General Rasch served in various capacities, 
including key roles within the acquisition and systems automation 
corps. He led as the project manager for the Army's Integrated Battle 
Command System and later as the military deputy to the commanding 
general of the Army Aviation and Missile Command.
  In 2017, he earned his first star as a deputy program executive 
officer at PEO Missiles and Space. His second star came in 2019 when he 
took over the PEO role. He is credited as a primary driver for the 
modernization and integration of fires within the Army.
  He earned his third and final star in 2022, becoming the director of 
the Army's Rapid Capability and Critical Technologies Office, more 
affectionately known as RCCTO.
  In this role, he has overseen the rapid prototyping and fielding of 
several key

[[Page H4418]]

programs, including the mid-range capability program, Army directed 
energy systems, and the long-range hypersonic weapon as a first-of-its-
kind capability.
  General Rasch served in both Desert Storm and the global war on 
terrorism. Over his 36 years of service, he has earned numerous awards, 
including the Army's Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, 
and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He is also a Ranger-qualified 
soldier, holding the prestigious Ranger Tab.
  General Rasch's leadership and mentorship will be missed by many, 
especially those at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama's Fifth Congressional 
District. Those who served with him describe him as exactly the kind of 
leader that soldiers trust and are willing to follow into battle. This 
Nation is grateful for his service and is better because of it. We 
salute General Robert A. Rasch, Jr.


                    U.S. Space Command Headquarters

  Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on an issue of 
historic importance for our Nation's security and for the people of 
north Alabama: the decision to base the United States Space Command 
headquarters at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
  For more than 60 years, our community has been at the heart of the 
American space story. North Alabama has been at the forefront of 
innovation, from the rockets that carried our astronauts to the Moon, 
to the systems that now protect our homeland and our warfighters. We 
have earned the nickname ``The Rocket City'' because innovation and 
national defense are in our DNA.
  Space Command is charged with ensuring America's superiority in the 
most demanding, contested domain of the future. To protect the United 
States, we need a headquarters located where talent, research, and 
mission readiness intersect. With the support of President Trump, it 
has been decided that Huntsville is that place.

  Redstone Arsenal is a hub for missile defense, with unmatched 
infrastructure and mission synergy. Our workforce brings together 
military expertise, leading civilian aerospace professionals, and a 
pipeline of scientists and engineers. This is not just about geography. 
It is about capability, efficiency, and effectiveness.
  This decision is not about partisan politics. It is about national 
security. It is about ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform 
have every advantage. We must be the most lethal force this world has 
ever seen.
  Huntsville offers facilities and partnerships needed for immediate 
mission success and long-term capability to grow and sustain the 
Command well into the future. North Alabama demonstrates that 
patriotism, technical excellence, and innovation exist together. North 
Alabama is ready. America will be stronger because of it. Our time is 
now.

                          ____________________